Wied il-Ghajn shops association disassociates itself from Chamber comments

The association of shops in Wied il-Ghajn has disassociated itself from comments put forward by the Chamber of Commerce, in which it called for balanced decision that safeguards investment and sustainable development.

Association president Reuben Buttigieg said the Chamber of Commerce did not represent commerce in Wied il-Ghajn. He also said that the Chamber had remained silent on other projects which hindered commercial activity in the seaside town.

Buttigieg said the Chamber had also spoken in favour of fish farms in Wied il-Ghajn during an MCESD pre-budget meeting, “because its commercial interest in other localities was more important for it”.

“While we respect everyone’s opinion, we find it strange that the Chamber has commented over this project but didn’t find any issues with other projects,” Buttigieg said.

The association said that Chamber wished for the American University investment to be implemented in other zones with a stronger presence of its members.

The Chamber of Commerce has expressed reservations over the siting of a proposed ‘American University’ on pristine agricultural land outside development zones, at Zonqor Point in Marsaskala.

In a statement, Malta’s business leaders said they believed in the merit of foreign direct investment as a driver of economic growth, and welcomed Jordanian investors Sadeen.

But it said it also “shared reservations” on the ODZ siting of the private university, which is being opposed by the environmental lobby.